Lower Big Quilcene River
Olympic Peninsula
As of July 15, 2026, the Lower Big Quilcene River trail is in excellent condition for summer hiking. Reports from July 15 and July 5 confirm the trail is shaded and enjoyable on warm days, with good river access for breaks. The privy at the trailhead was noted as clean and well-stocked on July 15. The access road is good, though the final half-mile is narrow according to a July 15 report. Parking is limited, with reports of the lot being full by mid-morning on weekends in May and June. Hikers have encountered wildflowers and abundant water throughout spring and early summer. A trail reroute to address a steep section was completed by the Gray Wolf Trail Crew between June 11-13.
generated from 45 reports
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The Lower Big Quilcene is an excellent hike for a warm summer day. We hiked 7 miles round trip. Enjoyed a beautiful spot on the river for lunch about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The trail was totall...
The lower BQ trail is a short but delightful, family friendly hike, especially on a hot summer day. Even arriving late morning during the mid-week we were surprised that there were few cars at the tra...
The Lower Big Quilcene was our choice for the 4th of July weekend. This is a good hike if the weather is warm as the trail is shaded most of the way. We hiked to Bark Shanty (3 miles) for lunch and th...
Arrived to the lot about 7pm on Friday with only one car already there. The road to the trailhead has a couple deepish potholes but is really no big deal. We hiked in to Bark Shanty Camp and set up fo...
A perfect day for a hike on the Peninsula! Our group of eight Mountaineers met at the Quilcene Ranger Station at 8:00am and consolidated cars since the parking at the Lower Big Quilcene trailhead is s...
A bit past the junction with the Notch Pass Trail, the Lower Big Quilcene Trail had a problem spot: A stretch was just too steep for hikers, bikers, and stock. So, over 3 days from June 11 to 13, Gra...
Despite weather forecasts indicating rain showers, We - myself and three others - decided to hike to Bark Shanty, stay overnight, and return. On Saturday, no rain until we hiked a distance then rain f...
Beautiful trail, in great condition! This was my first time on the Lower Big Quilcene. Backpacked it with a friend and my dog for two nights.We decided to beat the Memorial Day rush by arriving on Fri...
This is one of my top hikes in the PNW and I guess the word is out. In the past I could hike to Bark Shanty and maybe see 1-2 small groups.This weekend 5 of us hit the trail around 10 on Saturday to a...
May 8, 2026 4.5 out from the parking lot to Jolly CampMay 9, 2026 4.5 back to lot from Jolly campWe stayed only one night (family of three (12 year old in tow))Oh man! This trail is gorgeous! The fore...
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